Suspension fitting for cargo safety straps

ABSTRACT

A suspension fitting for the fastening of cargo safety straps to supports developed as perforated rails and arranged on a cargo holder, container or the like, said supports having suspension openings having in contour substantially the shape of a key bitt, said fitting which comprises a rail anchor of substantially asymmetric omega shape connected with the perforated rail and forming an anchor eye. An eye plate is connected with the rail anchor and serves for the fastening of the safety strap. Anchor hook webs adjoin the anchor eye and extend in opposite directions to define therebetween an introduction opening. A securing member is inserted for the attachment of the eye plate to the anchor eye. The anchor hook webs extend behind the perforated rail outside the suspension openings and have a length different from each other. The suspension openings have a key bitt shaped notch. The longer of the anchor hook webs have a length measured from the vertical longitudinal center axis of the rail anchor and are greater than the distance from the center point of the suspension openings of the perforated rail to the edge of the key bitt notch, and the shorter of the anchor hook webs have a length lesser than that of the longer of the anchor hook webs but exceeding the distance from the center point of the suspension opening of the perforated rail to the notch-free edge of the suspension openings and a cross-sectional width greater than the inside width of the notch.

United States Patent Berns [451 Aug. 22, 1972 154] SUSPENSION FITTINGFOR CAR Primary ExaminerChancellor E. Harris SAFETY STRAPS AttrneyErnestG. Montague [72] Inventor: Harald Berns, Wupperta1-Elberfeld, [57]ABSTRACT Germany I [73] Assigneez Firm Herbert Schlbach K06. p Asuspension fitting for the fastemng of cargo safety penal-Barman,Germany [22] Filed: Nov. 3, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 86,568

[] Foreign Application Priority Data Oct. 23, 1969 Germany ..P 69 41229.9 Sept. 3, 1970 Germany ..P 70 32 822.2

Y [52] US. Cl. ..248/361 A, 24/201 A, 24/221 R, 105/368 T, 105/369 R [51Int. Cl ..B6ld /00, Bp 7/06 [58] Field of Search...248/3,6l R, 361 A,220.5, 223;

/369 A, 368 T; 24/201 A, 221 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 2,927,956 3/1960 Reisch ....l05/369 A X 2,614,685 10/1952 Miller..24/221 R X 2,401,817 6/1946 Dina ..24/221R 3,017,679 l/l962 Elsner..105/369 A X 3,212,457 10/1965 Looker ..248/361 A X Sohenk ..248/ 361straps to supports developed as perforated rails and arranged on a cargoholder, container or the like,"said supports having suspensionopenings-having in con tour substantially the shape of a key bitt, saidfitting which comprises a rail anchor of substantially asymmetric omegashape connected with the perforated rail and forming an anchor eye. Aneye plate is connected with the rail anchor and serves for thefasteningof the safety strap. Anchor hook webs adjoin the anchor eye andextend in opposite directions to define therebetween an introductionopening. A securing member is inserted for the attachment-of the eyeplate to the anchor eye. The anchor hook webs extend behind theperforated rail outside the suspension openings and have a lengthdifferent from each other. The suspension openings have a key bittshaped notch.

The longer of the anchor hook webs have a length measured from thevertical longitudinalcenter axis of the rail anchor and are greater thanthe distance from Y the center point of the suspension openings of theperforated rail to the edge of the key bitt notch, and the shorter ofthe anchor hook webs have a length lesser than that of the longer of theanchor hook webs but exceeding the distance from the center point of thesuspension opening of the perforated rail to the notchfree edge of thesuspension openings and a cross-sectional width greater than the insidewidth of the notch.

7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDauszz I972 SHEET 3 IF 4 PATENTED1:22 :972

SHEET 0F 4 Fig.7

SUSPENSION FITTING FOR CARGO SAFETY STRAPS The present invention relatesto a suspension fitting intended for fastening cargo safety straps tosupports which are developed as perforated rails, are arranged on cargocarriers, containers or the like, and have in contour essentiallykey-bitt-shaped openings, the fitting consisting of a rail anchor whichcan be connected to the perforated rail by insertion and of an eye plateserving for fastening the clamping strap and connected with the railanchor.

In the case of a suspension fitting of the above-mentioned type theobject of the present invention is to simplify it both from thestandpoint of manufacture and assembly and from the standpoint ofhandling and to make the load more secure. I

It is another object of the present invention to provide a suspensionfitting for cargo cafety straps which is achieved first of all in anadvantageous manner. substantially by the fact, that the rail anchor hasa substantially asymmetrical omega shape in such a manner, that the webswhich adjoin the anchor eye, extend in opposite directions and leavebetween each other an insuspension When the rail anchor is inserted inthe perforated rail, the rail anchor itself can first of all be turnedpractically 360 C. around an axis, which extends through the centerpoint of the suspension opening. The eye plate in its turn can bedisplaced, on the one hand, in the direction of the axis of curvature ofthe anchor eye web and furthermore be swung around the axis of curvatureabout the anchor eye web, whereby a diversified is obtained.

The insertion of the rail anchor into a suspension opening in theperforated rail isalso extremely simple troduction opening,.which can beoccupied by a securing member for an insertable fastening of'the eyeplate to the anchor eye webs, as anchor hook webs, which engage behindthe perforated rail outside a suspension opening, are of differentlengths from each other, in which connection one of the two anchor hookwebs the longer of the two has, measured from the vertical longitudinalcentral axis of the rail anchor up to the free end of the hook web,a'length of its own which exceeds the distance from the center point ofa suspension opening of the perforated rail to the front-side endlimiting edge of the key-bitt-like notch provided in the suspensionopening and the other anchor hook web the shorter of the two has alength of its own which is less than said amount but exceeds thedistance from the center point of the suspension opening of theperforated rail to the curve notch-free limiting edge of the suspensionopening and a cross-sectional width of its own which exceeds the insidecross-sectional dimension of the notch, in which connection, in order tobroaden the cross-section of the shorter anchor hook web, the securingmember, which is adapted to be inby, first of all, in an inclinedposition with respect to the longitudinal centralaxis of the suspensionopening, introducing the longer of the two anchor books into theintroduction opening, i.e., in the region of the notch, the part of thehook introduced already engaging below the rail. The shorter of the twoanchor hooks is then within the .inside diameter of the suspensionopening,

so that it also can be introduced. If both anchor hooks are at theheight of the inner surface of the anchor rail,

the rail anchor is moved back in direction opposite the direction ofinsertion, so that the shorter anchor hook web can also engage below theperforated rail outside the suspension opening. Ifthe rail anchor isthen turned somewhat so that the longer anchor hook which has been firstintroduced is turned out of the region of the notch, the position offinal assembly is achieved. This insertion can be effected by a simplemanipulation of the hand.

The pivoting of the eye plate to the anchor eye web can be effected inthe manner, that the eye plate is inserted through an introductionopening left between the anchor hooks and is then practically threadedonto the anchor. eye web inthe circumferential direction of the eyearound the shorter anchor hook web. For the are also supported in thedirection towards each other.

serted between the two anchor hook webs, is provided laterally withgrip-over webs which, from the common introduction opening between thetwo anchor hook webs in the direction towards the free hook end, extendon both sides laterally over the anchor hook web and are connected withit and advisedly have a peripheral shape of their own adapted to theshape of the contour of this anchor hook web.

By the characteristic development of the rail anchor, on the one hand,whichcan be connected by plugging to the perforated rail, and the novelpivoting of an eye plate to the strap attachment, on the other hand, ithas been possible for the first time to shape a suspension fitting, sothat it can be adapted to the greatest possible extent to the shape ofthe load. With this new construction there is possible a ball joint-likeuniversal displaceability of the strap at least around three axes, sothat this new suspension fitting can be used on any desired shape ofload.

In order to facilitate the insertion of the rail anchor into thesuspension opening of the perforated rail, it is advisable, if theshorter'of the two anchor hooks is rounded in arcuate shape at its freeend commencing at the lower edge and extending inthe direction towardsthe anchor eye web.

The subject matter of the present invention also gains in importance bythe fact, that the securing of the suspension fitting by the broadeningof the shorter anchor hook webis decisively improved by this, since thisanchor hook web, even in the most unfavorable position when it is byaccident located directly in the region of the notch of the suspensionopening cannot slip out of same since, due to the provision of an anchorhook web broadening, it has a cross-sectional width of its own whichexceeds the inside diameter of the notch.

Seen from the structural side, the anchor hook web broadening developedas substantially U-shaped securing bow has the advantage, that it isdeveloped as a simple structural part produced by stamping and bending,which is able by its characteristic shape not only to form the desiredarm widening, but in addition this securing bow is able, by the armsengaging between the completely prevented. Thusthe .loard is decisivelyimproved. -I

- .tion;

two webs forming the widening, which arms are of a length correspondingto the inside width dimension of the introduction opening betweenthe twoanchor hook webs, toserveas supports which, on the one hand, act

on one end, on the other hand, on the other anchor hook web and thusaffords security against narrowing of the introduction opening underload.

) Summarizing, it ispossible by the present invention to create asuspension-fitting which'is characterized by its universal use for anydesired shapes of load and which furthermore can satisfythe highestdemands 4 center point of the opening and the curved free limiting edge18 of the opening n In inserted condition, the anchor hook webs 11 and12 grip behind the perforatedrail C outside the opening 15, whereby adependable holding is produced. The

' perforated rail C can be fastened by screws 19 or other forms a singlestructural unit together with the viewed from the standpoint of safety.Due to the fact i that the rail anchor forms a coherent structural unitwith the eye plate and the inserted securing member, it

t is particularly easy to handle. It represents an extreme ly useful,practical solution of extremely high value.

Furthermore, the danger of unintended slipping out of the suspensionopening of the perforated rail, is safety of the lashed With these andother objects in view which will fastening means to a load carrier20 or'else be connected by welding or the like, to, for instance, a loadingcontainer. 7

The eye plate B when pivoted to the anchor eye web securing member Dinserted in the introduction opening 13.

Referring now again to the drawings, and in particucheeks 21 whichextend laterally over the anchor hook become apparent in the followingdetailed description,

the present invention will be clearly'understood in con-' nection withthe accompanying drawings, in which; .'FlG. 1 is a perspective view ofthe rail anchor and a bolt-shaped securing memberin still uncoupledcondi- I FlG.-2 is a longitudinal coupled with the perforated rail; a I

FIG. 3 is-a perspective viewof the entire suspended suspension fitting;7

section thr'ough'a rail anchor FIG. .4 is a showing corresponding toFIG. 1 of another embodiment of the suspension fitting with rail anchorand bow-shaped securing member in still uncoupled condition; FIG. 5 is aperspective view of the securing bow inserted therein; r

FIG. 6 is a section, corresponding to FIG. 2, with the rail anchor witha I perforated rail in cross-section and the rail anchor suspended; :7

' FIG. 7 is a top plan view corresponding thereto; and FIG. 8 isa'further top plan view with the suspension fitting in the position,inwhich the widened anchor hook web coincides with the notch in theopening. 3 Referring now to the drawings, andin particular to FIGS. 1and 2, in the case of the suspension fitting shown in the drawing, thesuspension fitting comprises a rail anchor A, an eye plate'B for thefastening of a clamping belt (not shown) and a perforated rail C.

The rail anchor A has a substantially asymmetric web 12 and have aperipheral sh'ape corresponding to the p'eripheralshape of the anchorhook web. The side cheeks 21 are bent off from a central portion 22,which represents .a rectangular field intheblank'. Two supporting webs23.are also bent off from the central part 22 in such a direction as topoint between the two side.

cheeks 21, the lengthof these supporting webs 23 corresponding to theinside size 'of the introduction opening 13. In inserted condition ofthesecuring'bow, the

side cheeks 21 form the anchor web widening, while i the supporting'webs23 fill up the inside; opening between the twoarrns 11 and 12 and serveas supports.

The securing bow can be fastened by spot welding. v

While I have disclosed several embodiments of the present invention, itis to be understood that these embodiments are given by'exarnple onlyand not in a limiting sense.

lclaim: n 1. A suspension fitting for the fastening of cargo safetystraps'to supportsformedas perforated rails and arranged on. a cargoholder, container or the like, said omega shape, two anchor hook webs 11and 12 pointing in opposite directions adjoiningan anchor eye 10.

Between the two anchor hook webs 11 and 12 there is left an'introductionopening l3'into which a securing member D, .for instance abolt 14 ofH-shaped crosssection (FIGS. 1 and 2) can be inserted.

Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawing, the anchor hook webs are of adifferent length from each other, the anchor hook 11 having a totallength, which exceeds the distance between the center point of asuspension opening 15 and the end edge 16 of a notch 17 in the opening15. The total length of theanchor 2 book 12 is such, that it is lessthan the distance between the center point of the opening andthe endedge 16 of the notch 17, but is greater than the length between thesupports having at least one suspension openinghaving in contoursubstantially the shape of a key bit, said fitting comprising a railanchor of substantially asymmetric Q shape movably connected with saidperforated rail in saidat least one suspension opening and forming ananchor eye,

an eye plate connected with said rail. anchor and for the fastening ofsaid safety strap, 7 anchor hook webs adjoining said anchor eye andextending in opposite directions to define therebetween anintroductionopening,

a' securing member inserted for the attachment of said eye plate to saidanchor eye,

said anchor hook webs extending behind said perforated rail outside saidat least one suspension opening and having a length different from eachother, said at least one suspensionopening having a key bit shapednotch, n the longer of said anchor hook webs having a length measuredfrom the vertical longitudinalcent'er axis of said rail anchor and beinggreater than the distance from the center point of said at least onesuspension opening of said perforated rail to the edge of said key bitnotch, and

the shorter of said anchor hook webs having a length smaller than thatof said longer of said anchor hook webs but exceeding the distance fromthe center point of said suspension opening of said perforated rail tothe notch-free edge of said atleast one suspension opening and across-sectional width greater than the inside width of said notch. 2.The suspension fitting, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said securingmember comprises a bolt received between said anchor hook webs andfilling up said introduction opening as well as in a self-holdingmanner.

3. A suspension fitting for the fastening of cargo safety straps tosupports formed as perforated rails and arranged on a cargo holder,container or the like, said supports having at least one suspensionopening having I said anchor hook webs extending behind said perforatedrail outside said at least one suspension opening and having a lengthdifferent from each other, said at least one suspension opening having akey bit shaped notch, I

the longer of said anchor hook webs having a length measured from thevertical longitudinal an eye plate connected with said rail anchor andserving for the fastening of said safety strap,

anchor hook webs adjoining said anchor eye and extending in oppositedirections to define therebetween an introduction opening,

a securing member inserted for the attachment of said eye plate to saidanchor eye,

said anchor hook webs extending behind said perforated rail outside saidat least one suspension opening and having a length different from eachother, said at least one suspension opening having a key bit shapednotch,

the longer of said anchor hook webs having a length measured from thevertical longitudinal center axis of said rail anchor and being greaterthan the distance from the center point of said at least one suspensionopening of said perforated rail to the edge of said key bit notch, and

the shorter of said anchor hook webs having a length smaller than thatof said longer of said anchor hook webs but exceeding the distance fromthe center point of said suspension opening of said perforated rail tothe center axis of said rail anchor and being greater than the distancefrom the center point of said at least one suspension openingof saidperforated rail to the edge of said key bit notch, and

the shorter of said anchor hook webs having a length smaller than thatof said longer of said anchor hook webs but exceeding the distance fromthe centerpoint of said suspension opening of said perforated rail tothe notch-free edge of said at least one suspension opening and across-sectional width greater than the inside width of said notch, and

said bolt has a substantially H-shaped cross-section in longitudinaldirection.

4. The suspension fitting, as set forth in claim 1, A suspension fittingfor the fastening of cargo safety straps to supports formed asperforated rails and arranged on a cargo holder, container or the like,said supports having at least one suspension opening having in contoursubstantially the shape of a key bit, said fitting comprising a railanchor of substantially asymmetric shape movably connected with saidperforated rail in said at least one suspension opening and forming ananchor eye, notch-free edge of said at least one suspension opening anda cross-sectional width greater thanthe inside width of said notch, and

said securing member received, between said anchor hook webs is equippedlaterally with additional webs surrounding laterally on both sides oneof said anchor hook webs from said introduction opening in the directiontowards the end of the free hook and are connected with said anchor hookweb, and said additional webs have ashape complementary to the contourof said anchor hook web.

5. A suspension fitting for the fastening of cargo safety straps tosupports formed as perforated rails and arranged on a cargo holder,container-or the like, said supports having atleast one suspensionopening having in contour substantially the shape of a key bit, saidfitting comprising a rail anchor of substantially asymmetric Q shapemovably connected with said perforated rail in said at least onesuspension opening and forming an anchor eye,

an eye plate connected with said rail anchor and serving for thefastening of said safety strap,

anchor hook webs adjoining said anchor eye and extending in oppositedirections to define therebetween an introduction opening,

a securing member inserted for the attachment of said eye plate to saidanchor eye,

said anchor hook webs extending behind said perforated rail outside saidat least one suspension opening and having a length difierent from eachsmaller than that of said longer of said anchor.

hook webs but exceeding the distance from the center point of saidsuspension opening of said. perforated rail to the notch-free edge ofsaid at tending parallel to each other andconnecting the fold lines ofsaid side, cheeks together, and said supporting webs are of a lengthcorresponding to the inside size of said introduction openings,

between said anchor hook'webs and bent off towards the same side.

6..Ihe suspension fitting, as set forth inclaim 5, which includes meansfor connecting said securing bow with said anchor hook webs.

7. The suspension fitting, 'as set forth in claim 1,

3 wherein said shorter of said anchor hook webs is arcusupporting websdisposed along said fold lines exately rounded commencing at'its freeendfrom the lower edgean'd'eirtending in the direction towards said I Ianchor eye.

i t i'

1. A suspension fitting for the fastening of cargo safety straps to supports formed as perforated rails and arranged on a cargo holder, container or the like, said supports having at least one suspension opening having in contour substantially the shape of a key bit, said fitting comprising a rail anchor of substantially asymmetric Omega shape movably connected with said perforated rail in said at least one suspension opening and forming an anchor eye, an eye plate connected with said rail anchor and serving for the fastening of said safety strap, anchor hook webs adjoining said anchor eye and extending in opposite directions to define therebetween an introduction opening, a securing member inserted for the attachment of said eye plate to said anchor eye, said anchor hook webs extending behind said perforated rail outside said at least one suspension opening and having a length different from each other, said at least one suspension opening having a key bit shaped notch, the longer of said anchor hook webs having a length measured from the vertical longitudinal center axis of said rail anchor and being greater than the distance from the center point of said at least one suspension opening of said perforated rail to the edge of said key bit notch, and the shorter of said anchor hook webs having a length smaller than that of said longer of said anchor hook webs but exceeding the distance from the center point of said suspension opening of said perforated rail to the notch-free edge of said at least one suspension opening and a cross-sectional width greater than the inside width of said notch.
 2. The suspension fitting, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said securing member comprises a bolt received between said anchor hook webs and filling up said introduction opening as well as in a self-holding manner.
 3. A suspension fitting for the fastening of cargo safety straps to supporTs formed as perforated rails and arranged on a cargo holder, container or the like, said supports having at least one suspension opening having in contour substantially the shape of a key bit, said fitting comprising a rail anchor of substantially asymmetric Omega shape movably connected with said perforated rail in said at least one suspension opening and forming an anchor eye, an eye plate connected with said rail anchor and serving for the fastening of said safety strap, anchor hook webs adjoining said anchor eye and extending in opposite directions to define therebetween an introduction opening, a securing member inserted for the attachment of said eye plate to said anchor eye, said anchor hook webs extending behind said perforated rail outside said at least one suspension opening and having a length different from each other, said at least one suspension opening having a key bit shaped notch, the longer of said anchor hook webs having a length measured from the vertical longitudinal center axis of said rail anchor and being greater than the distance from the center point of said at least one suspension opening of said perforated rail to the edge of said key bit notch, and the shorter of said anchor hook webs having a length smaller than that of said longer of said anchor hook webs but exceeding the distance from the center point of said suspension opening of said perforated rail to the notch-free edge of said at least one suspension opening and a cross-sectional width greater than the inside width of said notch, and said bolt has a substantially H-shaped cross-section in longitudinal direction.
 4. The suspension fitting, as set forth in claim 1, A suspension fitting for the fastening of cargo safety straps to supports formed as perforated rails and arranged on a cargo holder, container or the like, said supports having at least one suspension opening having in contour substantially the shape of a key bit, said fitting comprising a rail anchor of substantially asymmetric Omega shape movably connected with said perforated rail in said at least one suspension opening and forming an anchor eye, an eye plate connected with said rail anchor and serving for the fastening of said safety strap, anchor hook webs adjoining said anchor eye and extending in opposite directions to define therebetween an introduction opening, a securing member inserted for the attachment of said eye plate to said anchor eye, said anchor hook webs extending behind said perforated rail outside said at least one suspension opening and having a length different from each other, said at least one suspension opening having a key bit shaped notch, the longer of said anchor hook webs having a length measured from the vertical longitudinal center axis of said rail anchor and being greater than the distance from the center point of said at least one suspension opening of said perforated rail to the edge of said key bit notch, and the shorter of said anchor hook webs having a length smaller than that of said longer of said anchor hook webs but exceeding the distance from the center point of said suspension opening of said perforated rail to the notch-free edge of said at least one suspension opening and a cross-sectional width greater than the inside width of said notch, and said securing member received between said anchor hook webs is equipped laterally with additional webs surrounding laterally on both sides one of said anchor hook webs from said introduction opening in the direction towards the end of the free hook and are connected with said anchor hook web, and said additional webs have a shape complementary to the contour of said anchor hook web.
 5. A suspension fitting for the fastening of cargo safety straps to supports formed as perforated rails and arranged on a cargo holder, container or the like, said supports having at least one suspension opening having in contour substantially the shape of a key bit, said fitting comprising a rail anchor of substantially asymmetric Omega shape movably connected with said perforated rail in said at least one suspension opening and forming an anchor eye, an eye plate connected with said rail anchor and serving for the fastening of said safety strap, anchor hook webs adjoining said anchor eye and extending in opposite directions to define therebetween an introduction opening, a securing member inserted for the attachment of said eye plate to said anchor eye, said anchor hook webs extending behind said perforated rail outside said at least one suspension opening and having a length different from each other, said at least one suspension opening having a key bit shaped notch, the longer of said anchor hook webs having a length measured from the vertical longitudinal center axis of said rail anchor and being greater than the distance from the center point of said at least one suspension opening of said perforated rail to the edge of said key bit notch, and the shorter of said anchor hook webs having a length smaller than that of said longer of said anchor hook webs but exceeding the distance from the center point of said suspension opening of said perforated rail to the notch-free edge of said at least one suspension opening and a cross-sectional width greater than the inside width of said notch, and said securing member comprises a substantially U-shaped securing bow including a stamping having crossed-arm shape about a central portion along parallel opposite fold lines and defining side cheeks forming the widening of said anchor hook web of said securing bow, supporting webs disposed along said fold lines extending parallel to each other and connecting the fold lines of said side cheeks together, and said supporting webs are of a length corresponding to the inside size of said introduction openings between said anchor hook webs and bent off towards the same side.
 6. The suspension fitting, as set forth in claim 5, which includes means for connecting said securing bow with said anchor hook webs.
 7. The suspension fitting, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said shorter of said anchor hook webs is arcuately rounded commencing at its free end from the lower edge and extending in the direction towards said anchor eye. 